WEC – Audi must raise the bar in Sao Paulo

Audi's double at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo last year seems a long way off. After its success acquired in part thanks to the terrible weather in Austin (Texas), the Ingolstadt manufacturer has failed to place a single R18 e-tron quattro on the podium in the last three events. If the hopes of winning the Manufacturers' title are almost non-existent for the brand with the rings, the latter nevertheless intends to end its season on a positive note. If Ralf Jüttner, the director of Audi Sport Team Joest, told AUTOhebdo (see: n°1985) that he expected the Interlagos track to be better suited to his LMP1-Hs, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich remains cautious. “We have to keep in mind that the regulations are clearly more complicated for us than last season.”, underlined the director of Audi Motorsport.

The final of WEC will also be a special race for Audi since its favorite driver Tom Kristensen is preparing to bow out by driving the No. 18 R1 one last time with Loïc duval and national star Lucas di Grassi. “This tour is relatively short but still a lot of fun.”, confirms the nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “The turns are tricky, the tour is done counterclockwise and the differences in altitude are felt. It’s unique to drive a prototype on this track. This finale will undoubtedly be very moving. »

The crew of the sister car no. 2 made up of Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer will arrive in Sao Paulo with the objective of doing as well as last year when they won. “This is no ordinary circuit.”, recalled the Swiss. “We were fast last year but the opponents have become stronger this season. The ordeal can become tumultuous if it starts to rain. »